Super Rugby has entered its run home.
Two-thirds through the regular season and the stakes are building with every week.
Were the Brumbies to slip up against the Rebels in Melbourne, their top two ambitions would take a giant hit. Similarly, a win for the Rebels can catapult their top eight charge.
The same can be said about the Reds and Waratahs, who will meet in North Queensland on Saturday night.
It’s not just high stakes for the respective franchises either, with some players playing for careers – such as Max Burey who will debut against the Crusaders after sensationally being catapulted into the No.10 jersey for the Force – while others are eyeing plane tickets to France and the World Cup.
How much weight is afforded to standout performances in local derbies is hard to measure.
Indeed, some think little, because a season of output is a better measure of form than a lone head-to-head battle.
Players and coaches often play down the respective match-ups because they might not actually collide in the heat of the battle all that match.
Others believe it’s important.
Taking Eddie Jones’ words at face value, the new Wallabies coach clearly will be watching close.
“Well, I like to see all those games that make a difference,” he told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
“We’ve got Rebels-Brumbies here on Sunday across the road at AAMI.
“The local derbies are really important games because there’s a bit more pressure on those games. Everyone understands they’re more important selection games, so to see players go head-to-head is very useful in terms of selection.”
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 01, 2023. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
But, as he also highlighted, one hot day doesn’t make a summer.
“Do it about six or seven times more,” Jones replied what he thought of the return to form of players like Tate McDermott.
“Like you don’t get into the Wallabies playing one good game.
“This is an iconic jersey, we’re playing at an iconic ground, this is one of the most famous jerseys in the world, so you don’t get it by playing one good game. You’ve got to play consistently well.”
Looking ahead at week 11 of Super Rugby, here are five key match-ups that could influence Wallabies selection less than two months out from Jones’ first official squad naming.
HARRY WILSON VS LANGI GLEESON
Earlier in the week the question was asked to Gleeson, “who runs it harder?”
This was Gleeson’s response: “We’ll have to see this weekend. Wilson’s a very good runner, his work rate is like no other. Just try to shut him down this week.”
Gleeson knows Saturday’s clash is a big one.
Langi Gleeson says he’s looking forward to the two ‘red headgears’ going at it on Saturday night. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
The 21-year-old was chosen ahead of Wilson for last year’s Spring Tour after a breakout season for the Waratahs.
Two years earlier and it was Wilson that was turning heads.
A strong ball-running back-rower, Wilson’s hole running and ability to free his arms stood out.
It was a throwback to an early era when the Wallabies had several big ball-running back-rowers.
But the gloss has faded over the past two years. It often does with young players, who have to work harder and smarter when opposition teams work out what’s coming.
Gleeson exploded into the spotlight in a similar way.
Following Wilson’s trademark red headgear, the Manly Marlins prodigy too exploded into the line.
Twice we’ve seen it in 2023, too, with Gleeson making long linebreaks after storming onto passes centrefield only to be pulled down with the line in sight.
Asked about how big this weekend was, Gleeson didn’t shy away around the match-up.
“It’s very big, two red headgears,” he said.
“It’s always a competitive spot playing against Wilson.”
Gleeson was chosen ahead of Wilson in Jones’ first training squad in April, before he was forced to withdraw after his leg injury which paved the way for the Reds back-rower to take his spot.
FRASER MCREIGHT VS MICHAEL HOOPER
Apprentice vs master, right?
“People will call it what they want to call it,” McReight said when he had to face the media. “It’s a great battle; I love locking horns with him.
“I’m sure we’ll be right in amongst it, getting involved heavily and have a few wrestles.
“I can take some awesome things from him and who knows, maybe he can watch and learn from me.”
Fraser McReight has been in brilliant form in 2023. Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images
Undoubtedly the Waratahs pinned that up in their sheds this week for Hooper to stew over.
Two openside flankers with a similar skill set, McReight is almost a decade younger and has been gunning for Hooper’s jersey for the past few years.
In 2022 he showed what he’s capable of after Hooper stepped away from the game. But consistency and knowing when and when not to attack the breakdown let the Reds breakaway down.
This season has seen McReight take his game to a new level.
He’s been Australia’s best turnover exponent by a country mile and importantly he’s not given away nearly as many penalties either.
His brilliance was on display against the Force last week, where he scored a couple of tries and won turnovers too.
Hooper, meanwhile, started the season slowly but has been building with each passing week.
In what is all but certainly his final Super Rugby season, Hooper’s timing his run. He showed his class against the Highlanders last week despite not being able to have a huge effect on the breakdown.
Is there room for McReight and Hooper?
Probably not in the same 15, but you wouldn’t discount the possibilities of the duo sharing time throughout a World Cup.
Physicality is the big issue, with both openside flankers relying on their skill set, work rate and pace rather than size in what is increasingly the land of the walking giants.
CARTER GORDON VS NOAH LOLESIO
Perhaps the battle of the weekend.
Gordon, the most improved player in Super Rugby, up against Lolesio, the most vexed Wallaby under Dave Rennie.
While Gordon has drawn the plaudits this year for his physicality, playmaking ability and vision, Lolesio has quietly gone about his business.
It was in part because Lolesio came off the bench in the early stages of the competition, with Jack Debreczeni given the No.10 jersey.
Noah Lolesio’s form has gone under the radar in 2023. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
But since winning back the jersey, Lolesio has looked composed and like he belongs at Super Rugby level.
It’s not a small thing either because finding confident, competent young playmakers has been a rare thing in years gone by.
His goal-kicking has been fine, he’s taken the ball to the line and he’s played his part in a silky backline.
The big thing in Lolesio’s favour too is that he’s won Tests for the Wallabies.
That can’t be understated either because World Cups are won by experienced 10s.
It is the number one thing going for Lolesio heading into the World Cup. That and his combination with his Brumbies cohort.
As for Gordon, the 22-year-old has finally shown what people have long hoped for.
Even though Gordon’s Rebels are languishing in the bottom half of the Super Rugby standings, the No.10s skill set has been on display and his willingness to not die wondering nor shirk contact has been eye-catching.
While he was no means perfect against Moana Pasifika during their win last weekend, his ability to create and continue to square up defences is what has many excited.
TREVOR HOSEA VS DARCY SWAIN
Whether the 2023 World Cup is a leap too far remains to be seen, but these two young locks are very much the future.
Swain’s still very much in contention for the World Cup, but his selection could very much depend on the fitness of Izack Rodda and whether Jones selects both Will Skelton and Richie Arnold.
A walking card in 2022, Swain could be exactly what Jones wants out of his forward; an uncompromising player who won’t take a backward step but is strong at the set-piece and a menace at the maul.
Swain’s been stuck behind Nick Frost in 2023, but his physicality probably shades his teammate at this stage of their careers.
Trevor Hosea has made an impressive comeback in 2023. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Locks don’t become world beaters overnight.
When Rory Arnold left Australian rugby after the 2019 World Cup, he was just entering the world class status that saw him arrive and dominate at Toulouse.
Ditto Skelton who is one of Europe’s best but left with a mixed reputation.
Swain and Hosea are growing into their frames and how to use them.
Hosea missed last season but he’s already showing why many are excited.
A tower at the lineout, Hosea’s hands are like mitts.
In the open he’s a force to be reckoned with but will be coming into his prime come the 2027 World Cup.
But a dominate performance in Melbourne, against a Wallaby-laden Brumbies pack, could show he’s in the conversation.
JOSH FLOOK VS IZAIA PERESE
Speaking on the “conversation”, outside centres Flook and Perese are certainly in it.
Yes Len Ikitau is at $1.20 to wear the No.13 jersey for the Wallabies but in Flook and Perese are different players with Test-like characteristics.
Flook is class. Everything he does – and has for two years – shows he’s a smart operator with a smart head.
A player who always makes the right decision, he scores tries, has an under-rated skill set and is defensively sound.
Izaia Perese scored an important first half try against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, on April 28, 2023. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The comparison with Conrad Smith is premature, but he’s that type of player. Someone with great communication and defensively strong.
Perese is different.
He’ll run through a brick wall.
Who saw him somehow get to the line against the Highlanders?
He had no right to get over but he did and that’s what Perese does. Only Ardie Savea has better leg-drive through contact.
While Perese took a long while to get going in 2023, he’s now cooking with gas.
While Samu Kerevi is getting back to fitness and could take part in Suntory’s League One finals, if anything happens to him Perese could well rocket into consideration.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G’day D10. Please read my reply to Slythee Tove above.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G’day ST. Remember a couple of years ago when Rodda and Hockings were running the tight lines? Wilson was able to run the wider lines, change his angles, use his footwork and offload. Now… no TT, no Rodda, no Hockings and no one coming on to effectively take those roles. The only one putting up his hand, taking on more than he should in the channels that don’t suit his skill set the best is Harry Wilson. But he continues to do it for the team. Number of carries, metres run, they don’t lie. I wonder how Bobby V, or any other 8 in Aus would cope if they were asked to do the job Wilson has taken on for his team? And Cheika was such a coach, he continued to ask him to run his Reds lines for the Wallabies then drops him for not performing the outer channel skills. He’s got them, he just needs an opportunity to remind people of that. And I fear that, not having seen the early Wilson, EJ will miss the chance to get the real Wilson playing for the Wallabies.
SlytheeTove
Roar Rookie
Same game, as in skill set. He just doesn't bend the line or make many breaks compared to RV. Maybe it's his footwork or body position into contact as I seem to recall that was a "work on" a few seasons ago. For a big unit, he just strangely seems to lack punch.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Maybe not this year…. It if Flook can stay on the pitch and not be injured he should get a couple of test caps this year. Next year I expect much bigger things from him
Stin
Roar Rookie
Gleeson easily ahead of Wilson tonight. McReight excellent but Hooper still strong. Flook - it was like he wasn’t on the field!!
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
He also fails to run holes and his timing and angles are terrible. As someone said earlier, he's a battering ram. That's not good enough. He's just getting pummelled. Running directly into opposition players will get you nowhere. I wish someone would sit him down and make him watch videos of Finegan and Kefu.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Rebels can bring the Brumbies down a peg or two? What?? Where did that come from?? That sounds Iike you're implying that there's some arrogance in the ACT. That is not what the Brumbies are about, and is the exact opposite of the values they espouse. They're not Waratahs; they don't talk themselves up every season and act like rockstars. They quietly and professionally go about the business of being the best team in Australia.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Phil, I agree but why is he playing that way? If he wasn't playing to instruction wouldn't he be dropped? This amazes me, "he should be doing this, he should be playing like that" These players don't operate in isolation.
PeterK
Roar Guru
IMO Hunter has a better offload. Hunter tries to keep the ball alive more BUT often makes high risk efforts which cause the ball to be turned over. Perese takes the tackle on and then relies on a ruck to retain the ball. Petaia due to his aerial abilities and kicking is more well rounded and a better winger.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Stuck with the same game... or game plan?
Big A
Roar Rookie
Couldn’t agree more Doc – getting back to the thing with Noah – the way players usually progress is like Carter hopefully is doing – I like how he appeared in the last year or two as a bit of a novice and then he has grabbed his opportunity and taken it to another level this year – hopefully he has another couple of rungs in him and goes all the way to Wallaby exceptionalism – Players don’t need three or four years to be developing in wallabies – if that’s the case then they shouldn’t be there in the first place – sure I’m all for giving a young bloke a go but four years of hanging around in wallaby colours is not appropriate or acceptable – that’s just bad coaching and that sits with Rennie who mismanaged Noah completely
Big A
Roar Rookie
Hey Major Burns aks Ferret / are you telling me that Noah has won us a couple of test matches
pm
Roar Rookie
People never have different opinions anymore once they've actually watched a player, do they?
pm
Roar Rookie
I’ve watched at least 4 games he has played in. Does get up well in the lineout but I don’t see him getting involved much otherwise. Maybe I’m missing some of his work. But do you say “obviously” whenever someone sees things differently?
SlytheeTove
Roar Rookie
Agree that Aldritt is probably the best 8 at the moment, although Doris is also excellent. Vermuelen is probably past his best and while I love Ardie's drive and mana he still seems a little undersized but a lot depends on backrow combos. I did think Harry would have developed more by now. He seems stuck with the same game that he had when he first arrived.
Chippers
Roar Rookie
????????????
Chippers
Roar Rookie
You might try watching him this season….. he has ramped it up in the last few games. He’s a test quality player (with a few minor tweaks).
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Flook has a struggle in his position to compete with ikatau but he doesn’t have a long way to go. The kid is right up there. Few have his rugby brain or instinct. Sometimes I wonder if you’re watching the same games I am or the roar is a portal from another dimension for you where things a little bit different.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Simply not true. Flook is quality, he’ll be in a wallabies jersey before the WC and he will impress. The rugby brain on this kid is huge. His instinctive ability can’t be coached. He may not go to the world cup but he is better than perese and ikatau will be watching his back cause Flook is that good that he is quickly approaching the ability of one of the first picked wallabies.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I wonder when Vunivalu and Donaldson will produce their first performances . . Gleason stands out with the red head gear . He makes a few good breaks , that’s what he is asked to do at the Tahs . He makes some tackles on kickers . Apart from that his defensive is RS . Wilson has a different job with the Reds , he is used mainly as a battering ram . He runs well out wide . . Flook has a long way to go . . Hooper will not see which way McReight goes . . Swain is not in the picture . . Lolisio is playing for Larkham with Eddie in one ear wanting him to take over and Weismantle wanting him angry . Stick with meat Noah , not the maggots . Gordon is free lance at the Rebs and lapping it up . Both should be picked .